Read on to find out more about why propolis should become a mainstay in your kitchen cabinets.

​What is Propolis? Meet the World's Most Underrated Bee Superfood

Propolis is basically a mixture of resins, vitamins, minerals, high amounts of bioflavonoids, bee secretions like beeswax and antibacterial substances collected from trees.

For bees, the whole purpose of propolis is to build and seal their hives against the elements as well as to sterilize the hive to protect it from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

As such, its a highly protective substance with potent anti-bacterial properties.

And whereas its relatively unknown in our time, it has long since been considered as a health food and disinfecting agent for centuries. Ancient Egyptians used it as vital ingredient for their mummification rituals.

Assyrians applied propolis to gashes and wounds to minimize the possibility of infection. Early Greeks considered it as natural treatment for boils and blisters.

5 Uniquely Health-protective Propolis Benefits​

People have been using propolis as a medicinal element since 350 BC, roughly dating back to the time of early Greek scientist and philosopher, Aristotle.

And it's every bit as beneficial to us modern folk as well. Here's why...

1. Propolis Improves Oral Health

This is actually how I learned of propolis in the first place and probably one of the best known benefits of propolis.

My mom has weak gums and my whole family has a tendency to get canker sores whenever we're tired and lacking sleep. The dentist actually recommended propolis.​

And it is a really elegant, effective natural remedy for canker sores. It doesn't make your mouth go totally numb, like most canker sore medications - plus, you're not swallowing anything chemical.​

As for overall dental health?

Based on findings by dental experts, propolis contains compounds that help strengthen tooth enamel.

These compounds also enhance the efficiency of modern sealants used in dentistry since they easily bond with their components compared to other natural substances.

Propolis also inhibits the growth and development of streptococci bacteria that trigger the onset of dental caries and cavities.​

Apart from keeping pearly whites in great shape, propolis is also found to have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties that help ward off canker sores, gum disease and even types 1 and 2 of the herpes simplex virus.

On a related note, some indigenous tribes in Kenya traditionally chew beeswax to keep parasitic oral infections at bay.​

2. Propolis is Anti-Fungal

That's 'cause along with its anti-microbial properties, propolis has anti-fungal components that can stave off common allergies that lead to excessive itching and the breakout of rashes.

This is the reason why it is considered as one of the best natural remedies for athlete's foot and similar skin problems. Propolis is also known to be effective against oral yeast infections, aka thrush.

3. ​Propolis Boosts Gut Health and Prevents Ulcers

There are very high levels of infection-fighting compounds found in propolis that help eliminate harmful bacteria that cause stomach problems like indigestion, irregular bowel movement and gastritis.

These compounds also help regulate the amount of gastric acid levels released in the stomach to prevent painful inflammations.​

But my favorite thing about propolis is that aside from keeping overall digestive function running smoothly, propolis also helps ward off peptic ulcer by holding back the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, which is pinpointed as the leading cause of the disease. It also helps the digestive tract increase its susceptibility to various illnesses.​

4. Propolis Promotes Better Blood Circulation

Propolis has fairly high amounts of antioxidants that help improve the flow of blood in the system.

These antioxidants are also found to help maintain ideal blood pressure levels, preventing issues like hypertension and hypotension.

Although studies are still inconclusive, there are indications that propolis may have the ability to maintain the ideal number of red blood cells in the body, preventing the onset of anemia.

Moreover, many experts believe that there may be components in propolis that can help ease or totally prevent erectile dysfunction if consumed on a regular basis.​

5. Propolis Speeds Up Wound Healing

Propolis is loaded with phytochemicals that have the ability to hasten the repair and rejuvenation of cells in the body.

Historical records suggest that this substance has been used for a very long time by ancient cultures to soothe burns and deal with cuts and bruises as well as being used as a cleansing agent for wounds.​

It's probably 'cause there are very high levels of the compound called caffeic acid phenethyl ester in propolis that is scientifically proven to help speed up the healing of cells and tissues.

A recent Brazilian study even highlighted that the caffeic acid phenethyl ester levels in propolis are perhaps the highest found in nature.​

Where to Buy Propolis

As the most underrated bee superfood, propolis doesn't get the attention it deserves, which is why most people are totally unaware of the unique benefits of propolis.

But now that you're in the know, you might be wondering where to get some and what kind you should opt for.

Most propolis comes in capsule or or liquid form - both contain the bee propolis benefits mentioned above, the only difference between them is really what you plan to use propolis for.

I'd recommend getting the liquid if you're prone to canker sores (which propolis is amazing for) or itchy throat allergies. That way, you'll be able to get the benefits of propolis by mixing it into your drinks and as a directly-applicable alternative to canker sore medications like Oragel as well as a soothing throat reliever.

If you'd simply like to add a propolis supplement to your daily diet to promote blood flow, gut health and boost general immunity, propolis capsules are also a good choice.

My go-to source for bee products is almost always Y.S. Eco Bee Farms - I fell in love with their raw honey and have since tried pretty much their whole range of bee stuff.

If you'd prefer propolis capsules, Dr. Danielle's Bee Well is a great overall bee supplement - you take 4 capsules daily which add up to 750mg Bee Pollen, 1000mg Propolis, 1500mg Royal Jelly.

Makes it easy to get your dose of bee superfoods on a daily basis, not to mention you're getting a respectably potent dosage of each one. Perfect for those of us who'd like to simplify the pill taking 🙂

Of course, if you are lucky enough to know or live close to a bee farm and can get your hands on raw chunks of propolis - do so as the fresh form is always the best.​

After growing up a perpetually pudgy kid, Jessica discovered real food - and her waistline shortly afterward. When she's not crafting concoctions in the kitchen, she spends her free time writing about food, making her own deodorant, watching sci-fi, doing headstands, and looking for gluten free food that doesn't suck.

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1 comment

Angela says
May 5, 2018

Hi Jessica, thanks for this interesting article. I am lucky enough to live near a bee farm, and can get my hand onto raw propolis. Can you tell me how I should take it for a sore throat. Thanks!